Page 112 of Ruin The Friendship
We’re standing outside the SUV the GM sent to pick up Adam. We were adamant about getting to pick him up, even though the GM wanted it to be just him and Adam. Trigg and Grace were going to come too, but Trigg was busy, and Grace had already committed to picking up an extra shift at the bar she works at sometimes.
Zoey’s here, but she’s waiting in the car to stay warm. It’s a balmy ten degrees. We watch the plane land and slowly start its way over to us. Zoey climbs out of the truck, adjusting her hat over her long, dark hair that matches her brother's.
Calvin wraps an arm around Zoey’s shoulders to pull her in close.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” she murmurs.
“Believe it,” Calvin replies.
Something flashes across Zoey’s face, and she shrugs his arm off. Calvin’s face falls for only a moment, but I catch it. He schools his expression immediately, focusing on the plane as it stops.
A minute later, they have the stairs down, and Adam is coming down them with a bag over his shoulder and a carry-on in the other hand. He’s barely got two feet on the ground before he and Zoey are wrapped in a tight embrace. Even though she saw him a few months ago, I’m sure this is different. He’s home for good. They signed him to a preemptive three-year contract, so he’s not going anywhere for a while.
Calvin stands next to them, and when Zoey and Adam finally break apart, Calvin and Adam hug for a long moment. Zoey takes his bag, rolling it over to where I’m standing at the truck. The GM gets out, greeting Adam with a shake of his hand and welcoming him to the team.
“Good to be home,” Adam says, a fleeting smile on his lips. He wraps his arm back around his twin sister, holding her close.
I smile and give him a quick hug. “Ready to get down to business? Playoffs are almost here.”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Adam says. We climb into the SUV to head to the arena. The GM peppers questions throughout the drive, while I send Lydia a text to check in.
Me
Miss you.
Lydia
Miss you too. How’s Adam?
Me
Great. This will be huge for us.
Lydia
I think it will be, too.
Me
We’re all going to go to dinner tonight. You in?
Lydia
Yeah. But I’m going to nap first. Can you call me when you pick a time?
Me
No problem. Get some rest, Lydi-bug.
“How’s Lydia feeling?” Zoey asks, looking over my shoulder.
“Good. Tired, but everything I’ve read says that’s normal at this point in pregnancy.”
“Her baby shower is going to be so cute.” Zoey grabs her phone and pulls up a picture. “We ordered these cute ladybug cookies from a local baker, and we also have a sign being made that says, 'A little ladybug is on the way.’”
“That’s perfect.” I smile as I look at the photos of the sign and the cookies. “She’s going to love it.”
“I agree.” Zoey bites her lower lip. “Is her mom always this…”
